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Reports and Publications

NIST Publishes Review of DNA Mixture Interpretation Methods

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The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has published DNA Mixture Interpretation: A Scientific Foundation Review. This draft report, which will be open for public comment for 60 days before being published in final form, reviews the methods that forensic laboratories use to interpret evidence containing a mixture of DNA from two or more people. 

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Jan. 13, 2021 Statement of US Department of Justice on the PCAST Report

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The US DOJ published a statement on the Sept. 2016 President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) Report, Forensic Science in Criminal Courts: Ensuring Scientific Validity of Feature-Comparison Methods. The DOJ explains its disagreements with the 2016 report in the statement. In summary, the DOJ’s position is that: Traditional forensic pattern examination methods—as currently practiced—do not belong …

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A Simplified Guide to Trace Evidence

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Tiny fragments of physical evidence such as hairs, fibers from clothing or carpeting, or pieces of glass are examples of trace evidence, and can be transferred when two objects touch or when small particles are disbursed by an action or movement. This evidence can be used to reconstruct an event or indicate that a person …

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Fire Research: Identifying Ignitable Liquids in Debris and Providing Error Rates to Strengthen Testimony

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With funding from the NIJ, Dr. Michael Sigman and Mary Williams from University of Central Florida developed a method for analyzing fire debris samples that are highly contaminated with pyrolysis interferences. This technique provides an alternative objective method for classifying ignitable liquid residues, which is one of the only viable options for helping to progress …

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OSAC Registry Approved Standards

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The Organization of Scientific Area Committees for Forensic Evidence (OSAC) develops documentary standards for forensics through a standards developing organization or other consensus-based process that allows for participation and comment from relevant stakeholders. Standards under consideration as well as approved standards are available in the OSAC Registry. Standards are being developed for each forensic discipline.

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AAFS Standards Board Documents

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The American Academy of Forensic Sciences Standards Board develops documentary standards for forensics through a consensus process, involving participation by all directly and materially affected persons. The standards that have been published are available on the ASB website. Standards are being developed for each forensic discipline.

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State of Michigan Governor’s Task Force on Child Abuse and Department of Health and Human Services: Forensic Interviewing Protocol

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State of Michigan Governor’s Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect and DHHS (2015). Forensic Interviewing Protocol (4th ed.) 

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Structured forensic interview protocols improve the quality and informativeness of investigative interviews with children: A review of research using the NICHD Investigative Interview Protocol

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Lamb, M., Orbach, Y., Hershkowitz , Esplin,P ., Horowitz, I. (2007 ). A structured interview protocol improves the quality and informativeness of investigative interviews with children: A review of research using the NICHD investigative interview protocol. Child Abuse and Neglect. 31, 1201 1231.

Structured forensic interview protocols improve the quality and informativeness of investigative interviews with children: A review of research using the NICHD Investigative Interview ProtocolRead More

American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (APSAC) Practice Guidelines: Forensic Interviewing in Cases of Suspected Child Abuse

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American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children. (2012). Practice guidelines: Forensic interviewing in cases of suspected child abuse. APSAC.

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